PM confirms four billion crowns for measures to fight drought next year

The Czech government will spend three billion crowns this year and four next year on measures to fight drought, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said in a social media post on Sunday. He said the funds would come from the budget of the Agriculture Ministry.

According to the prime minister the money will go to connect water management networks, retain water in the landscape, build small reservoirs and ponds, introduce irrigation measures and fund similar projects. Some of the money is also earmarked for preparations for major water projects, including land purchases, project documentation and initial groundwork for the Nové Heřminovy, Kryry and Vlachovice reservoirs.

Earlier this week the prime minister announced the decision to revive a national coalition to fight drought. Drought and its impacts is expected to dominate the agenda of Monday’s cabinet meeting.